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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 7, 8 January 1874, Page 2

To the Editor of the Nelson Evening Mail. Sib—Nelson has hitherto been famous only in name with relation to her vast talked of mineral wealth. Numeious companies were formed, brought out, and floated —the Oulliford, Doran's, Pioneer, Perseverance, and many others. With the exception of the Perseverance mine, no. gold worth speaking of was ever obtained, no dividend save from the Commercial was ever declared. A great error wa« committed, capital was the idea aimed at. It looks well ta see £20,000 capital in a company, but results of large calls don't bring dividends as Nelson shareholders have seen to their cost. This has been brought about by, no doubt, want of experience. This scientific practical miner never seemed in existence hitherto; but it has fallen to the happy lot of the Lyell district and Inangahua to produce such men. The dividend recently paid by the Break-o'-Day of 3s 3d per share, on which shares only 2s 6d waa paid, qauscd people to reflect. This company like many others of a similar charact, *r is in _Sl shares; the calls are made 2d or 3d at a time, and as little money is called up as possible; then the mine is made to do what is wanted, the gold is obtained by ns little expense as possible, so as to call up no more money than must be obtained. There is no big balance; no .heavy overdrafts to p* ovide for. Look at 152 tons of stone producing 7 or 8 ounces of gold to the ton, on a call of 2g 5Jd called up. The .gold produced and producing from the Littlo Wonder, Just in Time, Monte Christo, Anderson's, TFiery Cross, Wealth of

Nations, Energetic, Mermaid all go to prove a great fact, viz., tho practical men are there; men who thoroughly understand their work. Collingwood is not behitid in minerals, but up to the present moment not so happy' in results. Dur gold from reefiog has been hitherto absorbed in expenses through bad and injudicious management evidently, as results compared with the Lyell prove. The Perseverance mine to witi No dividend there, but continued debt. At last we have new blood so much wanted in Nelson, and the new manager, Mr Hanson, is proving himself capable of tackling an almost insolvent raine. The results of his knowledge will shortly show itself. The active interest taken by Messrs Haddow aud Thompson, new directors, men who possess practical knowledge of mining matters; such a desirable commodity will bring about happy results ere long. The coal, iron, and hematite all tend towards future prosperity. But, Sir, this is not all. The people of Nehon must watch over their own interest, they must not be content to leave all to their representatives. The elections are over; let them not forget the great power they wielded at those elections; it must be their duty to see that our representatives are up to the -mark. Professions were plenty, we hive a good sprinkle of new blood. Let the people see tothe proper circulation of this new blood, and not leave matters to fate. Elections over, now settle down to the atmospheric indolence of Nelson proper. The prosperity of a country lies in tbe energies of its people. We hive everything within us to make us rich as a people; energy is all that is required. ' Our Councillors muat be reminded of this; the honor of representation to them must be business to us as a peoplo. Nelson must not stand still, or the rising prosperity of our sister provinces will swamp us. The Council meets shortly, our members must be quietly urged towards accomplishing the following: Commencement of the Foxhill Railway from the tow;n, and so economise the work by carrying all the required material to where it was com- ., menced, four miles and a half off. Building of now wharf und dry dock — or else we cannot expect vessels to call here for repairs. Deepen our harbor by dredging, and remove that objectionable rock opposite the Government wharf. Reclaim a large portion of that valuable mud flat, and bo be prepared to make room for a coal depot. ; Obtain a Harbor Board which will enable us to procure funds to carry out some of these improvements. By doing these things occupation for our artisans and laborers will be obtained. •La.tly, facilitate the immediate laying down of telegraphic wires to and from the Lyell. The rising importance of the Lyell and Inangahua districts demands this. It is highly necessary, and will tend to much business. Push on our railway to the Coast, and thus open up our country which has been a " sealed " letter too long. ■'; These are the chief points to look to. Now, Sir, you will say and enough too, but these matters must be urged with a will. Our Provincial Council contains a number of new faces, let us hope aU party feeling will be thrown aside, and that a unanimity unprecedented in Nelson representation will take place, and that one and only one feeling will pervade in all political circles, viz., the future and welfare of the land we live in. I am, &c, H. J. L. Augarde. Bridge-Street, January 4.